So my good buddy’s son graduated from high school this year, and my buddy wanted to take him on a congratulatory trip of some sort. And to my surprise, they both requested that I tag along. We contemplated possible destinations and eventually decided we’d head down to New Orleans for a couple of days, and then we’d head down to Venice, LA (!) for a couple of days of fishing. I’ve been dreaming about getting down to Venice for a few years now and actually had a trip scheduled a couple of years ago, but a small craft advisory nixed our plans, breaking my heart in the process. Booked an inshore trip with Kingdom Charters and an offshore trip with the MGFC and Captain Zach Lewis aboard his brand new Freeman 37 with QUAD Merc 300’s.
We left Charlotte bright and early Friday morning and arrived in Nola around 6:00 that evening. For the next two days, we Hit Bourbon Street, the WWII museum, Harrah’s, and a couple of cool jazz clubs. While Nola’s a pretty cool city (sorta like a larger, but dirtier, and potentially, sketchier Charleston) I couldn’t keep my mind off Venice and the adventure(s) that awaited us.
Had a great day inshore on Sunday. Caught a ton of nice-sized redfish and black drum. Managed several double and triple-hookups, and finished the day with nearly fifty fish amongst the three of us.
Got back to the lodge, showered, and ate dinner. Prior to calling it a night, I received a call from the captain informing me that he wouldn’t be making the trip, as his wife had gone into labor. Taking his place would be Captain Wade Wells, his longtime first mate. We would, however, still be making the trip aboard his boat, so my apprehensions were eased somewhat. Threw up a prayer to the Big Man regarding our trip, and then hit the rack with dreams of sickles dancing through my head…
Met Captain Wade Wells at 5:45 the next morning. Was immediately wowed by Freak Show, the Freeman 37 that’d be chauffeuring us into the blue. Apparently, NO expense had been spared on this rig, save for the Taco outriggers
Cool story. What was the cost of the offshore charter?
2014 Key West 203DFS
1987 Landau
The base cost of the charter is $1,700 (with the MGFC), but you also have to pay for fuel consumed, and a 15-20% tip is customary as well. I think the total cost ended up being $2,500-$2,700.
“I’m not a hundred percent in love with your tone right now…”
Must have passed each other Black Bart, we were there the week before with the Freeman 42. That place never gets old! Great write up! And yes Zachs boat is bad ass. One of my personal favorites for sure!!
Set the trap boys, we going to pass through them again!!
Must have passed each other Black Bart, we were there the week before with the Freeman 42. That place never gets old! Great write up! And yes Zachs boat is bad ass. One of my personal favorites for sure!!
Set the trap boys, we going to pass through them again!!
Captain Wade said Billy Freeman was down there when we were there (we fished Monday, 7-11-16). The boat we passed on the way in was Beach’s 37, but I don’t think he (Billy) was onboard. Is the 42 a concept, or is it already in production?
“I’m not a hundred percent in love with your tone right now…”
Geez, a 37’ boat doing 73 mph[:0] Not sure I’d want to be in it. Or maybe I would. Never done that:sunglasses: